Vibrators

With so many wonderful vibrators to choose from, you'll want to start your search by thinking about your preferences. Our list of questions below will help you focus on the vibrators that will bring you the most pleasure. Click on any question you're curious about or simply scroll down to learn more.

• Electric or Battery Operated?
• Penetration or Clitoral Stimulation?
• Clit Vibes
• Penetration Vibes
• Volume
  
• Intensity
  
• Butt Vibes
• Waterproof Vibes
• Vibes with Partners
• Materials and Cleaning

What are the differences between electric and battery operated vibes?

Electric vibrators are well-made appliances that last longer than battery vibes. They tend to look like more like kitchen-ware than sex-ware and come with warranties like other home appliances. Electric vibes are often marketed as massagers… but we all know where they feel best! They deliver stronger vibration than battery vibrators. Except for the rechargeable version, electric vibes are plugged into the wall socket for use. Though you are limited by the length of the cord, you don't have to worry about your batteries getting weak or dying out. None of our electric vibes are designed to be inserted, but some can be adapted for penetration by adding various attachments like the G Spotter Plus attachment for the Wahl and the G Whiz attachment for the Hitachi.

Battery vibes, such as the Slimline Vibrators are portable, often less expensive than electric vibrators, and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Many are cute and creative like the Ducky, easy to stow in a bag like the Lipstick, and some are waterproof. They do not last as long as electric vibes.

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Penetration or clit stimulation?

When you're ready to buy a vibrator, the first question to ask yourself is "Penetration or clit stimulation?"

Many people assume that the way to use a vibrator is to put it inside, but in fact most women use vibes for clitoral stimulation. While the clitoris and the opening of the vagina are sensitive to vibration, the inner portion of the vagina responds more to pressure and motion. Women who like vibes for penetration often enjoy the toy on their clits and like the feeling of fullness and motion in their vaginas when they insert them.

Clit Vibes
Electric vibes are well manufactured and deliver strong clitoral stimulation. Although they look more like blenders than sex toys, there is a reason they are our most popular sellers. The Hitachi Magic Wand is the strongest vibrator we carry. It delivers intense vibrations for the clit, and its larger head can be hugely stimulating to the entire vulva. The beloved Wahl 7-in-1 offers the most focused stimulation (place it under, over, or to the side of your clit). Penetration attachments are available for both of these toys.

Battery Vibes for clit stimulation come in an array of designs. Bullet vibes are egg-shaped (Babeland Silver Bullet) and rockets are shaped like spark plugs (Pocket Rocket). These are some of the strongest battery vibe designs.  Those toys that have soft casing around the vibrator component, like the Cyber Flicker, offer a cushier contact texture; often the cushion will absorb some of the vibration, making for more gentle stimulation.

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Penetration Vibes

There are many options for penetration vibes, many of which can be used either vaginally or clitorally. The inexpensive Slimlines are the classic penetrative vibes, and we also carry several realistic styles—the Freshman is a great example. The Blueberry Buzz is versatile and also waterproof. You can add attachments to the plug-in vibes for penetration like the G-Whiz with the Hitachi Magic Wand.  Or, go for the gold with the Gigi, one of our high end g-spot vibrators.

Vibrators for penetration with a firm curve at the end are designed to stimulate the G-spot. The Nubby G is our favorite. The G-spot responds to firm rhythmic pressure, more than vibration, so the vibration makes for pleasant stimulation at the opening of the vagina while the pressure from rocking the curve back and forth does the trick. For non-vibrating G-spot toys see G-Spot Dildos.

For those who want it all, get a vibrator that will do it all. Dual-action vibes like the Rabbit Habit™ do practically everything but your dishes. A bunny flutters over your clit delivering strong vibration and the shaft twirls and twists with penetration, providing G-spot and vaginal stimulation. Check out our multi-tasking Dual-Action Vibes selection. We also encourage you to use your sexual creativity and combine toys that appeal to you. Press the Hitachi Magic Wand on the base of any silicone dildo or butt plug. Or perhaps combine the Nubby G and Tantrabeam? Add a vibrating cock ring, such as the Orbit Ring Vibe, to your dildo for extra stimulation. Let your imagination take the driver's seat.

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Volume/Noise Level

Are there quiet vibes? I don't want people hearing my sex life through the walls.
There's no reason people with roommates, kids, or neighbors with acute hearing shouldn't get off as much as folks who are more insulated. The vibe for you will depend on many things, but here are some quieter vibes to consider:

• Wahl 7-in-1 is a classic plug-in model and the quietest option we offer.
• The Grapevine Vibe is a well-built battery vibrator for clit stimulation and has variable settings.
• Fukuoku 9000 is the vibe you wear on your fingertip.

Babeland.com now uses a Volume rating system of 1 to 5 for vibrators: 1 is the quietest and 5 is the loudest, notated with this icon: (indicates a Volume of 2).  For variable-speed vibrators, the icon represents the highest level.

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Intensity/Vibe Variation

I get aroused gradually and need a vibe that can get more intense as I get more aroused. What should I look for?
Our vibe descriptions specify whether the toys have one, two, or variable speeds. One of the most variable vibes is the Silk Touch Egg. For some people, the “high vs. low” variation works; others like a sliding control to set the vibration just so. All of our electric vibes have a high and a low speed. Most battery vibes have variable speeds. You can also vary the pressure to control how much vibration you get. If you have a strong vibe, like the Hitachi Magic Wand, you can put a cloth, blanket or hand in between your clit and the vibe to diffuse the stimulation.

What's up with the pulsing vibes?
Some newer vibes also offer pulsation, a variable vibrating throb. Some, like the Form 6 and the Womolia, allow you to choose various pulsing rhythms, or opt for consistent vibration.

Babeland.com now uses an Intensity Rating System of 1 to 5 for vibrators: 1 is the gentlest and 5 is the most powerful, notated with this icon: (indicates an Intensity of 4).  For variable-speed vibrators, the icon represents the highest level.

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Butt Vibes

Can I use my vibrator for anal stimulation?
Anything you put up your butt should have something (a flared base or a string) to keep it from going all the way in. Safe, pucker-pleasing vibes are in Butt Vibes. In general:

• Don't insert bullet vibes in the butt, as the cord can break when you are removing the vibe.
• Anal-safe attachments for electric vibes include the G-Spotter Attachment and the G-Whiz for the Hitachi Magic Wand.
• The Wahl 7-in-1 comes with a suction cup, enabling you to add vibration to your favorite silicone dildo or butt plug.

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Waterproof Vibes

Can I bring this in the hot tub or the shower?
Only vibes that have an extra seal around the batteries and waterproof casing are waterproof. All the waterproof toys in our collection have been forced to sink or swim—we toss them in water and run them for hours to insure they earn our Hot Tub Seal of Approval! The Waterdancer is a high-quality vibrator and is a popular choice for underwater clit stimulation, as is the Little Paul.

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Vibes for Two

I'd really love to get something my partner and I can both use. What about safe sharing?
Double bullets, such as the Dynamic Duo, offer two bullet vibes in one toy—if you use them without a condom, be sure to remember which bullet belongs to which partner for hygienic use of the toy. Some women like putting a Hitachi Magic Wand in between them while one partner sits or lies on top of the other. You can also check out our recommended vibrators for couples.
If you want to take turns with the same vibe, be aware that any material, even one that is non-porous, needs to be disinfected between partners to avoid passing STDs, bacteria and yeast infections. If you want to play with a toy together without getting out of bed and scrubbing it down use condoms and Afterglow wipes to keep your sex toys clean.

What's good to use during penetration?

Wearable vibes and vibrating cock rings are designed to provide clitoral stimulation during partner sex. Wearable vibes, like the Sweetheart, strap around the legs and sit snugly over the clit. Vibrating cock rings, like the Orbit Ring Vibe or the Petal Ring Vibe, fit over a penis or dildo and can deliver clitoral thrills during penetration. They also make a great accessory for fisting!

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Material, Cleaning & Toy Care

Silicone

• Silicone toys are non-porous, non-toxic and can be disinfected.
• To clean, boil them for 5-10 minutes, pop them in your dishwasher, or wash with anti-bacterial soap and water.
• If you disinfect silicone toys between uses, you can share them with a partner; otherwise, use condoms.
• Silicone dildos can break at the base if they are forced into too-small rings. Be sure you have the right size harness ring for your dildo.
• Silicone is a pliable material and carries vibration like a dream.
• Silicone warms to the body and retains body heat.
• This material is very long-lasting and durable.
• Do not use silicone lube with silicone toys as it will cause a chemical reaction and will melt the silicone toy. Be sure to use a condom over the toy if you want to use silicone lube.

Although silicone can be boiled, do not boil a silicone vibrator, because you will destroy the vibrator mechanism. Wipe them down well with anti-bacterial soap and water or an Afterglow tissue. Some silicone toys, like the Buzz 1 dildo, have a removable Zippy vibe, enabling you to boil the silicone portion of the toy.

You'll find that silicone is often more expensive than sex toys made of other materials. Not only is the material more expensive than plastics or rubbers, but silicone makers are often small shops who don't mass produce their products but create them in more craftsman-like settings.  The higher price is worthwhile because of silicone's long life-span and its' ability to be disinfected for use with more than one partner.

Synthetic polymers: rubber, vinyl and cyberskin

Rubber materials are commonly used in sex toys, as they are soft and cushy. These materials are porous, making them difficult to clean, and their actual composition is often unknown. They are often translucent, lightly colored, and sometimes scented. Phthalates are a chemical softening agent found in most soft rubbery toys that may be harmful to your health. We recommend using condoms with rubber, vinyl, and cyberskin toys as the most hygienic and safe method.

Soft toys that are phthalate-free include: Elastomer Rabbit Habit and the Cotton Candy.

What is cyberskin?

Cyberskin is an uncanny flesh-like material that is popular for dildos. There are a few vibrators that use cyberskin for its unique velvety texture, including the Cyber Flicker and the Black Velvet Slimline. Because it is porous and contains phthalate softening agents, we recommend you use condoms when inserting these toys vaginally and anally. Do not use silicone lube with cyberskin toys as it will cause a chemical reaction and will melt the toy. Be sure to use a condom over the toy if you want to use silicone lube.

Hard Plastic

• Hard plastic does not contain softening agents like phthalates.
• It is non-porous.
• Clean hard plastic toys with anti-bacterial soap and water; do not boil.
• Use condoms if sharing.
• Hard plastic carries vibration well.
• Vibes made of this material can be noisier than silicone, rubber or cyberskin.
• This is often a more affordable option than other materials.

How can I make my battery vibe last longer?
Japanese-manufactured battery vibes tend to be better made and longer lasting than those produced elsewhere. However, you can improve the life of any vibrator by treating it well.

• Do not get the battery pack wet.
• Wipe down your toy with a damp, soapy cloth (don't run it under the water).
• Never pull on the cord of a vibe with a separate battery pack. If you want to insert an egg-style vibrator vaginally, put it in a condom and pull the condom rather than the cord to remove it.
• Remove the batteries when you store a vibe. Not only will this help the batteries last longer, it prevents battery corrosion from affecting the vibrator mechanism.

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